This novel is a retelling of the classic story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but with a twist. It's not just about the girl from Kansas, Dorothy, but about a young girl named Elphaba, who is born with green skin. She's smart and determined, but she's also misunderstood and alone. Elphaba goes to a school for young people with special powers, called Shiz University, where she meets other teenagers with magical abilities.
As Elphaba navigates this new world, she finds herself at odds with the powerful Wizard of Oz, who is more interested in keeping control and maintaining the status quo than in helping his citizens. Meanwhile, Elphaba discovers that she has the power to communicate with animals, and she becomes determined to protect them from the Wizard's tyranny. The novel explores themes of prejudice, kindness, and the struggle for power, all set against the backdrop of a fantastical and detailed world. Elphaba's story is one of self-discovery and empowerment, as she learns to stand up for herself and others, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
What I love about this novel is the way it challenges our assumptions about classic stories and the people who live in them. Elphaba is not a one-dimensional villain, as Dorothy might be seen as a hero. Instead, she's a complex and multidimensional character who defies easy categorization. The novel encourages us to think critically about why we like or dislike certain characters, and how our own biases and stereotypes shape our understanding of the world. With its vivid world-building and memorable characters, Wicked is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy, adventure, or simply great storytelling.
As I sat down to read this novel, I couldn't help but think of my own experiences with feeling like an outsider. I've always been fascinated by stories about characters who don't quite fit in, and this book delivers on that in a big way. The story follows Elphaba, a young girl with green skin who is smart, determined, and misunderstood. I couldn't help but feel a sense of empathy for Elphaba as I turned the pages, wondering what it would be like to be seen and accepted for who I truly am.
Elphaba's journey to Shiz University is both familiar and foreign - it's a story that anyone who's ever felt like they don't quite belong will be able to relate to. And as I read on, it became clear that this wasn't just a story about a girl with green skin; it was a story about the power of kindness, compassion, and understanding. The author masterfully weaves together themes of prejudice, power, and identity, creating a rich and detailed world that's both magical and unsettling at times. I found myself becoming fully invested in Elphaba's story, eager to see how she would navigate the complexities of her new world and the people in it.
What struck me most about this novel is the way it challenges our assumptions about classic stories and the people who live in them. Elphaba is a far cry from the typical villain - she's complex, multidimensional, and relatable in a way that was both surprising and refreshing. As I closed the book, I felt like I'd been given a new perspective on the world, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience it through Elphaba's eyes. Whether you're a fan of fantasy, adventure, or simply great storytelling, this book is a must-read - it's a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading, and one that will leave you feeling moved, inspired, and maybe even a little bit changed.
Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
This novel is a thought-provoking retelling of the classic story, exploring themes of prejudice, kindness, and the struggle for power. It's a complex and multidimensional tale about a young girl with green skin, Elphaba, who is smart, determined, and misunderstood. Elphaba's journey to Shiz University is both familiar and foreign, connecting with readers who've ever felt like outsiders. The author masterfully weaves together themes, creating a rich and detailed world that's both magical and unsettling. Elphaba's story is one of self-discovery and empowerment, encouraging readers to think critically about their biases and assumptions. With its vivid world-building and memorable characters, this book is a must-read, leaving readers moved, inspired, and possibly changed.